Types of Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in the lymphatic system— particularly, the white blood cells called lymphocytes, which work as protection against infections and diseases. Because the disease is so complex, the specialists at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers recommend learning as much as you can regarding your specific type of lymphoma, which can affect both your treatment and expected outcome (prognosis).
Many types of lymphoma exist. However, they are broadly categorized into two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Beyond that, there are many different subtypes, especially subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Some lymphomas arise from B-lymphocytes, while others arise from T-lymphocytes. Lymphomas are also described by their growth rate, with rapidly growing lymphomas referred to as “aggressive” and slow-growing lymphomas referred to as “indolent.”
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Cause
Exact cause is unknown but may be attributed to DNA mutations in lymphocytes
Occurrence
- 70,000 new cases each year
- Median age of diagnosis is 67
- More common in men than in women
- Accounts for 7% of childhood cancers each year
Symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Enlarged liver or spleen
Diagnosis
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET scan)
- Bone marrow tests
- Lumbar puncture
Treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Stem cell transplant
- Immunotherapy
Risk Factors
- Male gender
- Age over 60
- Family history of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- History of infection with Epstein-Barr virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Prevention
- No known way to prevent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Taking preventative action against HIV infection may help reduce the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Cause
Exact cause is unknown but may be attributed to DNA mutations in lymphocytes.
Occurrence
- 8,000 new cases each year
- Median age of diagnosis is 39
- More common in men than in women
- Accounts for 6% of childhood cancers each year
Symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Increased sensitivity to alcohol
Diagnosis
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI, PET scan)
- Bone marrow tests
- Lumbar puncture
Treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Stem cell transplant
- Immunotherapy
Risk Factors
- Male gender
- Age between 20 and 40 or over 55
- Family history of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- History of infection with Epstein-Barr virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Prevention
- No known way to prevent Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Taking preventative action against HIV infection may help reduce the risk of developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma